USPS lost a package - what should I do?

USPS lost my package. It had delivery confirmation. What to do?

• I had a text book shipped to me through USPS. The seller put a delivery confirmation on the package. I received an empty package in the mail. Oh, and the empty package still had the delivery confirmation on it.. how ironic. The package was obviously cut open with a letter opener and NOT resealed. When I received it, it was empty and had a hole in it. There was a stamp on the package that read "Arrived Without Contents Athens Ga 30601." I know that the book was in the package when the seller sent it because there was paid postage on the package amounting to $4.44. I also know that there was nothing in the package when it left Athens, Ga. The only thing that I can think of that may have happened is that a USPS employee cut the package open and stole the book. I contacted USPS and they told me that they would file a case and have someone call me back in two business days. It has been 1 and a half business days. What should I do? Is USPS liable when an employee steals the contents of a package? The package did not have insurance on it, but I thought that the tracking number should be sufficient. Has anyone ever had anything similar happen to them before? I am worried that USPS is not going to cover the cost of the book even though it was deliberately taken from the package (it is very obvious that the package was cut open). Thanks for your help in advance.

• Answer:

  The seller could have schemed you. It is a common ebay scheme to send empty boxes. But, at times ups workers do steal items. Also it could have been left on a truck unintended and someone happened to do just that. You have to report it. make sure you have all the proof (meaning when it stated box arrived without contents) if the box has a hole it it, it could also just be damaged and the book feel out and an attempt to tape the box back up.